ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY STATEMENT
(Communicated by the Israel Antiquities Authority Spokeswoman)
www.israntique.org.il
Tuesday, 03 January, 2006

Regarding the press conference held earlier today (Tuesday), 3.1.06, by
Islamic elements at which it was stated that archaeological excavations
are being carried out, and that a place for holding prayers has been
established, under the Temple Mount compound, the Israel Antiquities
Authority would like to make it clear: Archaeological excavations have
never been carried out, and are not being carried out today, under the
Temple Mount compound.

Israel Antiquities Authority Jerusalem District Archaeologist Yuval
Baruch said today that all of the gates to the Temple Mount compound
were blocked by massive construction in historical times: "The only
gates open today are the official ones - they are open to Muslim
worshippers and visitors - and they are under the control of security
officials and Waqf representatives."